Skin ‑ a vast organ with immunological function (Review)

Abstract

The skin is an organ with multiple functions, where important inflammatory and immunological processes take place. The integrity of the skin barrier is necessary for it to fulfill its roles. An intact skin barrier requires a physiological keratinization process, but also a normal cutaneous microbial flora. Any change in the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes entails the disruption of the skin barrier and the triggering of inflammatory and immunological processes at this level, in response to the aggression of external pathogens. Also, there are several specialised immune cells in the skin (Langerhans cells, T regulator cells, T helper cells), that maintain a balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes at this level. Disturbing the immune homeostasis causes inflammation and allergic skin reaction. Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are two inflammatory diseases of the skin, characterized by perturbation of the mechanisms of skin barrier formation. The immune system of the skin is also involved in the pathophysiology of vitiligo and pemphigus. The aim of this review is to offer a brief presentation of the inflammatory and immunological processes that occur in the skin.

Skin endometriosis: A case report and review of the literature

“…Concerning the possible pathophysiological mechanisms involved, one accepted theory suggests that primitive pluripotent mesenchymal cells that have undergone differentiation metaplasia are one of the cause of abdominal wall endometriosis (30). In addition, some authors propose that retrograde menstruation could be a cause for the implantation of endometrial cells in the peritoneal area (31), while others advocate the theory of lymphatic or hematogenic dissemination (32), the role of genetics (33) and other probable pathophysiological mechanisms (34,35). Another theory explains the possibility that during a C-section procedure endometrial tissue could be iatrogenically grafted into ectopic sites such as the skin, muscles or other layers of the abdominal wall, this being the reason why the nodule appears frequently above the scar.…”

Immunomodulatory Properties of Host Defence Peptides in Skin Wound Healing

“…The skin is a multifunctional organ whose outermost position provides protective a barrier [57]. In addition to providing mechanical protection and support to internal organs, the subtle cutaneous microenvironment has the capacity to actively mediate immune response [58].…”

Cardiovascular comorbidities in psoriasis (Review)

“…predisposition, being triggered by a series of environmental factors such as trauma, infections, some drugs or stress, which activate the local native and adaptive immune system cells, producing proinflammatory cytokines (1,5,6). It affects up to 3-5% of the general population, and about 20-30% of patients will develop psoriatic arthritis (4).…”